Tulia, Texas

[Sydney Meyer]

After seeing the film last night and hearing the closing nusic of the film - the song "Tear Down the Walls" , what message did you get from that song? What other thoughts did this movie move you to think about? Did it make you explore your own hidden prejudices?

[Dale Berenc]

After viewing the film I didn't think so much about my own prejudices but about the mistaken trust I might have in someone who wears a police uniform. It is pretty unsettlingly to learn that undercover agents are allowed by law to not collborate with the local law enforcement.

[Sydney Meyer]

Good point. I was shocked to see that anyone could pose as an undercover agent in these small towns so the town and the agent could get Federal funds.

[Gary Johnson]

I was not even aware of the music at the end. Initial response was one of anger that the law enforcement officers would frame those arrested and that then seemed to think they were doing the right thing to fight the "drug war". It would be interesting to do a follow up in five years to see what the ones that were accused are doing in their lives and if there is still a drug problem in Tulia.

[Regina Sinclair]

I didn't notice the closing music either. It was secondary to the anger and fear--that this could even happen--with which the film left me. Whenever I become aware of instances of injustice and racism like those which occurred in Tulia, several thoughts occur. (1) I cannot help but wonder about all the undiscovered incidences of injustice similar to what happened in Tulia--or even worse--that go in our country all the time. (2) I noticed how the "good old boy mentality" once again prevailed and the white man whose lies and misrepresentations made all those black people suffer received what amounted to a slap on the wrist for his dirty deed. (3) I think of how often black and other underrepresented people in this country feel hopeless because they are powerless to do anything about what happens to them or the situations into which they are placed/forced, no matter how horrible.

[Sydney Meyer]

I agree there are many injustices in this country as well as many other countries. My two adopted children from another country had several instances growing up of racism. But they also met many kind and respectful people which helped shape their lives too. When I see injustice to a person or persons I hope I remember to stand up to it. The movie and some of the people who did stand up for justice reinforced the need for us all to learn to speak out.